The follow-up stifled cough is the worst. Tucker is ill, not gravely so but enough to shadow his daily routine; his work-out routine cuts short by ten minutes and today, he has two extra cups of coffee, not outstandingly unusual – just necessary. As the warm beverage temporarily soothes his throat, a realization, that cough medicine would serve to be functional – sore throat relief and cough suppressant with a side of disassociating effects from Dextromethorphan.
The computer screen displays bright blue screens with reminders “can you resend the follow up report?” and “NEW templates for form 91-A.” Tucker clicks around, organizing his windows to be optimally weighted to convey information in the most efficient pattern. However, before the finalized touch, he flinch-blinks with a small amount of sweat beginning to pool.
Alcohol is often found in cough syrups. The naive scientist in us all might say something like “rids the body of excess fluid” or “kills bacteria in the throat.” These are all misconceptions. Alcohol serves a multi-faceted purpose. First is the function as an expectorant, thinning the mucus found in the Bronchial system – aiding in coughs. Secondly, working in parallel with cough suppressants which do not dissolve in water, but wonderfully well in alcohol, which is why cough syrup is stably dispersed instead of having all the “good stuff” at the bottom. Lastly, Alcohol is a Central Nervous System depressant which reduces stimulation in various areas of the brain, which may or may not cause “sluggish” feelings. Tucker picks up his phone and immediately initiates speed-dial.
“Tim, are you there? Pickup man, I just had some cough syrup with some alcohol. I think I’ll be fine. I just wanted to let you know. I think I can do this, the bottle said 10% and I had less then a few sips, probably one or two ounces. Anyways, call me back when you have the time, have a good one.”
The voicemail is sent to the void. Regardless of whether it is received, Tucker made the intention to “do the right thing.” He finished organizing his programs with all the information in the most efficient spots; the data on the left side of the screen and the email window on the right side. He would continue this pattern until the blue screen shut off into black – seven hours later. As it turns out, Tucker was able to do it. No problems, some anxiety, but he would drive home, make dinner, watch re-runs, and sleep.
Chubenn all along 